Let's be real for a sec.
When we first started out, the world of coffee pods was full of shiny aluminium promises. But once we scratched beneath the marketing gloss, we saw the truth – the system’s cracked. Not just chipped. Broken.
Now, this isn’t about slinging mud or serving up some feel-good fantasy. Quite the opposite. We’re here to spill the beans on the uncomfortable truth: there’s no perfect solution when it comes to being eco-conscious. Only varying shades of imperfect.
But here’s the thing – some imperfect solutions are a hell of a lot better than others.
That’s why we’re proudly imperfect. Because we give a damn. And right now, that matters more than ever.
Is aluminium recyclable? Yes.
Is it the golden ticket to sustainability? Not even close.
While aluminium can be recycled, around 70% still end up in landfill – according to Nespresso’s own figures – where they can take up to 500 years to break down. That’s five centuries of slow decay… for one quick coffee.
For the pods that do make it into the recycling stream, it’s no walk in the park. First they’re shredded, then the coffee grounds are separated, the varnish is burnt off, and finally, the aluminium is re-smelted. It’s a complex, energy-intensive process with more steps than a Latin dance routine.
And that’s not even the end of it.
In the UK, aluminium recycling isn't exactly a smooth operation. Despite our reputation for recycling prowess, around two-thirds of aluminium scrap – approximately 600,000 tonnes annually – is exported for processing abroad, making us the top exporter in Europe.
This export-heavy approach stems from limited domestic reprocessing capacity. While we excel at collecting and sorting aluminium, the infrastructure to remelt and repurpose it into new products is lacking. Consequently, we often re-import the same aluminium adding unnecessary emissions.
Oh, and demand for aluminium? Expected to nearly double by 2050. So, relying on recycling alone? It’s just not a sustainable solution.
Enter: Us. Urban Brew.
We exist to offer a better, more eco-conscious alternative to traditional pods.
Is it perfect? Not yet. But we’re pushing the limits of what’s possible.
We’ve spent years obsessing over pod materials, running tests, geeking out on composting conditions (more than any sane person should), pouring sweat, and yeah… a few tears, into building something better – bit by bit, brew by brew.
We’ve invested over £250,000 (yep, we’ve got the receipts) into developing our own home compostable coffee pod. We’ve come heartbreakingly close - repeatedly - but haven’t cracked the perfect trifecta just yet: home compostable, great-tasting, and affordable.
Still, we haven’t slowed down. Not for a second.
Until that holy grail pod is in your pantry, we’re using the best option currently available: an industrial compostable pod made from biomass resin.
Yes, it has an aluminium lid – and we don’t love that either – but it’s the only material right now that brews a bloody good cup of coffee.
Because let’s be real:
What’s the point of a super green pod if it makes brown sludge?
If it tastes like crap, people won’t come back. And if they don’t come back, we’re not making a real difference.
The Truth About Our Pod
Breaks down in 90 days in an industrial composting facility.
If it ends up in landfill? It’ll still break down faster than aluminium.
Can we promise how fast in landfill? No – there are too many variables (moisture, heat, sunlight, etc). But it’s still the better choice.
And about that aluminium lid?
Each pod uses just 0.05 grams of aluminium.
That means 300 pods = 1 soda can.
Use 2 pods a day? That’s 1 can’s worth of waste every 5 months. We’ll let you do the math on that one.
As we said at the beginning, we're not perfect. But we’re proudly imperfect – and always improving.
Because sustainability isn’t a finish line – it’s a journey.
And we’re in it for the long haul (with plenty of caffeine).
Want more info?
We’ve got you covered. If you’re keen to nerd out, check out these links: